BAIDOA, Somalia, August 19, 2026: More than 10 suspected mortar explosions were heard across Baidoa late Wednesday as shells reportedly targeted the South West State presidential compound and surrounding areas, while the appearance of heavily armed opposition forces near two neighbourhoods prompted some residents to flee their homes.
Residents reported hearing a rapid series of explosions across the southwestern Somali city. Local sources said the mortar fire appeared to be directed toward the presidential compound and nearby areas, although the precise impact locations could not immediately be independently verified.
There were no confirmed reports of deaths, injuries or property damage from the shelling at the time of publication. Security officials had not announced whether all the rounds reached their intended target.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities had also not identified where the suspected mortar rounds were launched from.
The explosions came as heavily armed forces believed to be loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen were reportedly seen around the Manyafuulka area and near the Barwaaqo neighbourhood.
Residents said the fighters were carrying heavy weapons and appeared to have taken positions around the two areas. Their numbers, purpose and chain of command could not independently be established.
Some families began leaving Barwaaqo after reports of the troop movements spread, fearing that another armed assault on Baidoa could be imminent. Other residents remained inside their homes as uncertainty increased across the city.
There was no independent evidence at the time of publication confirming that an attack was being prepared. Representatives of Laftagareen and federal security authorities had not publicly commented on the reported deployment.
City Under Heightened Security
Baidoa has remained under heavy security since fighting erupted on August 17 between federal forces and armed groups aligned with Laftagareen.
Government troops subsequently drove the opposition fighters from the city after hours of combat involving heavy weapons and vehicles carrying explosives, according to federal officials and residents interviewed by international news agencies.
Baidoa Online’s reporting, based on information collected from local and medical sources, placed the death toll from Monday’s fighting at 51, including 46 soldiers or other combatants and five civilians. At least 98 people were wounded. The full casualty figure has not been independently confirmed.
Dr. Abdikafi Omar Mohamud, head of emergency services at Bay Regional Hospital, separately told the Associated Press that at least four civilians had been killed and 98 people wounded, including 28 women and an elderly man struck by stray bullets. The difference between the reported civilian death tolls could not immediately be reconciled.
Somalia’s Defence Ministry said about 30 attackers were killed after armed groups assaulted government positions before dawn. It did not release a casualty figure for federal forces.
Witnesses told Reuters that federal troops had regained control after forcing the opposition fighters from Baidoa. Laftagareen-aligned forces had earlier claimed that they had entered and captured parts of the city.
The latest unrest is part of a prolonged dispute over political authority in South West State and the relationship between regional leaders and Somalia’s federal government.
Federal troops took control of Baidoa in March after Laftagareen’s administration announced that it was suspending relations with Mogadishu. The former regional president subsequently resigned but later rejected the political transition and continued challenging the new administration.
The dispute has been linked to disagreements over constitutional amendments, elections and the balance of power between the federal government and Somalia’s member states.
Baidoa has also faced repeated attacks by Al-Shabaab, which remains active in rural parts of the Bay region. Mortar rounds have previously targeted the city’s airport, government facilities and security positions. No evidence had emerged linking the militant group to Wednesday night’s shelling.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
Renewed violence could deepen an already serious humanitarian emergency in Baidoa, which hosts hundreds of thousands of people displaced by conflict, drought and food insecurity.
Bay Regional Hospital was placed under pressure by the large number of casualties brought in after Monday’s fighting. Medical staff reported shortages of beds and essential supplies as they treated wounded civilians and combatants.
The movement of families from Barwaaqo could create further displacement if fighting resumes. It remained unclear how many households had left the neighbourhood or where they had sought shelter.
Security forces are expected to investigate the origin of the mortar fire and assess whether the presidential compound or surrounding buildings were damaged.
Authorities will also face pressure to clarify the reported presence of armed fighters near Manyafuulka and Barwaaqo and prevent rival forces from entering populated neighbourhoods.
Residents were continuing to monitor developments late Wednesday, with many remaining indoors amid fears of another night of violence.
The mortar fire and reported opposition troop movements indicate that Baidoa’s security crisis may not have ended with the August 17 battle. Even without a confirmed ground assault, the presence of armed groups near residential areas risks triggering clashes with federal forces.